White Marlin Open plans to move forward as scheduled in Ocean City
Richard PollittThe COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled notable events throughout Delmarva, however, the world's largest billfish tournament plans to move forward as scheduled.
The White Marlin Open announced on Facebook it plans to hold 47th annual event as scheduled. The tournament starts Aug. 3 and will run through Aug. 7.
"We will, of course, follow government guidelines on spectator crowd size," the Facebook post read. "At this time, we do not know what those restrictions will be in August. What we do know is that our awesome participants are beyond excited to get back on the water and hunt for a million dollar marlin!!!"
The White Marlin Open was created in 1974 by Jim Motsko, who still serves as the organization's president. The tournament has grown every year, and through the years has featured over 100,000 participants and distributed more than $63 million in prize money.
Held at the Harbour Island Marina, the tournament runs for five days with different fishing categories such as white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, shark, swordfish and dolphin.
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Anglers set out early in the morning and spend the bulk of the day searching for award-winning catches. Should a fish be boarded, boats return to the Harbour Island Marina for weigh-ins.
Spectators often watch from the scales, listening to music, buying merchandise and celebrating with the anglers once they come ashore.
The 2019 tournament featured over 400 boats and $6.1 million in prize money. Ocean City angler Tommy Hinkle won the tournament with his catch of a 79.5-pound white marlin, earning just under $1.5 million.
Hinkle was the first two-time winner in tournament history, previously winning the White Marlin Open in 2008.
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The 2019 tournament also featured celebrities like chef Emeril Lagasse, known for his role as a television personality on the Food Network, and former NBA player Michael Jordan.
